Surface Scratches

[bbraud6]

Anyone have an idea on what to use to remove surface scratches on hood of deere 3320 compact tractor which is plastic. These are just surface scratches from limbs etc. Maybe compound wax ? Anyways just curious if anyone has had any luck, and what did they use , thank's......

 

[k0ua]

I have never done this so use this idea at your own risk:

I have used Brasso to remove scratches in watch crystals. which are plastic. Now assuming the green color is molded in and I think it is you could try rubbing Brasso on the scratch and see it if makes is "all better"
I would try in an inconspicious area first to be safe. It does take a lot of rubbing, or you could use an orbital polisher perhaps.

James K0UA

 

[glc24]

Now assuming the green color is molded in

It is not.
To the best of my knowledge it is black,at least on my 2520 it is.
Got too close to a guy wire and took it down to bare plastic.

I'm also curious to know what would work,as I have a couple from branches.
Wax worked a little,but they are still visible.

Greg

 

[grsthegreat]

They sell colored waxes at auto parts stores...but im not sure if they come in green. Ive used them on black plastic and they work great. Ive seen them in whites and blues also.

 

[XP14629]

The plastics are covered with what is referred to as a gel coat. This has it's own clear coat. For very minor scrathes some 3m brand rubbing compound and a variable speed buffer do a nice job. Talk to your local auto body or paint supplier for this. Anything deeper and I have always had to just mark off at the body lines and sand the entire panel. Then paint and clear. Unless looking closely it is hard to see the difference. You could also talk to a fiberglass repair place or a boat shop.

 

[bbraud6]

Thank's for the suggestions, will try a compound wax first as these are slight scratches from pushing trees through a briar patch.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

Buy Turtlewax Rubbing Compound (10.5 oz.) T230A at Advance Auto Parts

 

[psdx]

I saw a reference to rubbing compound. I would try polishing compound first. The abrasive properties of common materials from least to most are wax, polishing compound, then rubbing compound. My point is that polishing compound will put less trauma on the finish if it will work. Rubbing compound may dull the finish.

If you use rubbing compound you want to use polishing compound afterward to get the shine back all the way, followed by wax. I have found a product called X20 to work well on minor scratches.

Also, the original post doesn't say, but if you can catch your fingernail on the scratch, that part will not go away using this method.

 

[beenthere]

So far (includes last 16 years), I've found trying to do anything just makes it worse. Dulling and not being able to get the shine back is more noticable than the original scratch. I am hoping someone has the cure and we can all get rid of our scratches.

Unlike the old car finishes that some buffing compound and a buffer would buff those scratches out.

 

[psdx]

I've had excellent success cleaning up light scratches. I think the key is lots of patience and not rushing to get to something too abrasive. I have fond that a lot of elbow grease with X20 or polishing compound does amazing things. You just have to really persevere. That being said, not all scratches can be removed this way, so sometimes I don't attempt it due to prior experience.